Mi Chiquito Hombre means My Little Man but he's not so little
any more.
He was so small when we got him. It was two days after his first Birthday
and he was the smallest of the group. When we walked close to the pen he
didn't run with the herd he kind of lingered around checking things out.
The adoption process was quick and painless. The folks at the Ridgecrest
facility were great.
He was definitely a meek horse at first. I knew I had to have him. He
took to me real quick away but not to others. It took some work to get him
to accept even my husband, Mark. He's long since past that and likes anyone
with a friendly hand or food. He gentled really well and really quickly.
The visits with the Farrier have been pleasant and uneventful. The vet, on
the other hand, is a very scary person for him. He turned two in April and
has experienced so many new things since his birthday. He no longer fears
the velcro monster on his boots. He seems to have made peace with his
saddle and pad and all its scary noises. Water doesn't bother him at all;
in fact he likes to drink from the water hose. He is a very calm and
curious guy with lots of mischief in his eyes. The experience we have had
together so far has been so rewarding for me and I hope for him as well.
He has really blossomed into a very social, very tolerant horse. I'm very
proud of him.
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Making friends
Coming along
Little Man and Kathryn
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Little Man Highlights
May 25, 01
We had our first ride yesterday. My trainer got on him first about three
days ago and he did well. Then it was my turn and he did so well..
Somehow it seems it was a much bigger deal for me than for him.
August 11, 01
We have had eight rides together in the round pen so far. He bucked me off
the last ride (in the arena) but otherwise he has been an angel. I can
now walk him around the stables all tacked up. When its time to take the
saddle and stuff off, he just stands there and lets me do it without having
to tie him up. His manners have improved so much since I last wrote about
him. He is definitely a mama's boy.
August 29, 01
Little Man is doing great. I am no longer using a trainer. He responds
very well to me and his balance is improving daily. He is still opening
his stride up so I don't know how smooth he's going to be yet. Our
immediate goal for now is to get ready for the arena again and do some work
on his trot.
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